Situated on a hillside in Folsom, California, is a beautifully articulated medley of stone, glass, and steel working together in perfect harmony. The narrative is open, allowing the tranquil lake and surrounding landscape to take center stage, capturing attention and drawing the eye out to the horizon. Rather than competing with the landscape, this staggering 9,500-square-foot home complements it, framing the lakefront view as if it were a painting in a gallery.
The clients, originally from Sacramento, fell in love with the sweeping views of the property. They reached out to Paul McClean of McClean Designs to bring their vision to life.” Our client had enjoyed spending her childhood summers at the beach in Orange County and she wanted a house that would reflect the idea of an Orange County beach house,” McClean says.
Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the home blur the lines between interior and exterior, offering vantage point views from almost every room in the home. McClean organized the design into three distinct sections: the primary bedroom and private spaces to the north, public living and dining areas in the center and a guest wing and family room to the south.
The elevated experience the home brings happens before you set foot in its doors. As you walk a winding path to the front door, you navigate between two mature oak trees and cross a tranquil water feature, immediately fostering a connection between the home’s design and nature.
“The house instills themes that are common throughout our projects,” McClean notes, “the relationship to nature, the breaking down of barriers between indoors and outdoor, the use of water elements to reflect and channel light and movement, and the contrast between heavy grounded elements and super light floating plains.”
Upon entering, the high cedar ceilings create a sense of grandeur and openness. Magni’s interiors reflect that sentiment through custom furniture, bold pops of color and contemporary art, while still giving the home a welcoming warmth.
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“The clients are what I call naturalists. They are very outdoorsy… that’s the essence of their lifestyle, so the house had to feel more organic,” Magni says. “The palette became very obvious…if you look outdoors, it’s blues and greens, and we can’t compete with God’s creation, so we took cues from nature and brought in as many natural elements as possible while still providing a contemporary interior that matched the architectural style.”
The collaboration between Magni and McClean is seamless, with the interior choices enhancing the architectural build. “My training is in architecture,” Magni says. “So we approach things from an architectural standpoint. We are not going to alter the interior architecture, rather enhance it.”
“The client still calls me sometimes to let me know how much she loves the home” - McClean
One example of this is showcased in the living room’s cubic travertine mantle, which Magni anchored by adding bronze panels. “Frank Lloyd Wright used to say that the hearth is the home; it’s the base of the home,” Magni explains.
Keeping the client’s lifestyle in mind, McClean designed a stunning covered outdoor living area that includes a cooking zone, fireplace and dining area. This space is both visually striking and enhances the home’s indoor/outdoor complex.
”The outdoor cabana was really important to the owners,” McClean says. “The main view is to the east and at their previous home they had really enjoyed outdoor barbecuing and relaxing… The cabana in the new home is ideal for sitting outside in the evening and its proximity to the main kitchen is an added bonus”
Art played a pivotal role in elevating the home’s design, not only introducing unexpected pops of color but also giving the property a unique narrative. Magni guided clients on their art journey, helping them build an impressive collection while educating them on the significance of artistic curation and expression.
“We educated the clients as to what was out there, particularly with art,” Magni says. “The clients went the distance, and I was really proud of them. They read, they learned, they went to exhibitions, so that part was very meaningful; it’s amazing. Helping the clients collect the art and introducing them to artists was the most rewarding part for me.”
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The home features multiple works of contemporary art, from pink and turquoise artworks from Tel Aviv to works by renowned artists like Callum Ennis, and even a stunning commissioned sculpture by Epi Hein.
“It’s a stainless steel piece that is floating in the water at the entryway before you come into the home,” Magni explains. That was commissioned for the client and made in Germany… it floats above the waterline, so it really does look like it’s floating.”
The home is a reflection of those who live there: A family who values nature, expression and sophistication. Every corner of the house was thoughtfully conceptualized, designed and executed to provide the family with the ultimate residence. Its open ambiance, natural palette, eclectic interiors and clean-line framing are all elements that make the home unique and something the client will cherish and appreciate for years to come.
“The client still calls me sometimes to let me know how much she loves the home,” McClean says. “At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about, making the client happy.”
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